Oleta Thompson Cooper

In Loving Memory of Oleta Thompson CooperJuly 10, 1924 – May 14, 2025

Oleta Thompson Cooper, age 100, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Mississippi Care Center in Morton. Born on July 10, 1924, to Joe and Alma Thompson of Leesburg, Oleta lived a long and faithful life devoted to family, faith, and community.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at Ott and Lee Chapel in Morton, with a celebration of life following at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Bro. Jerry Lewis, Bro. Tal Vardaman, and Bro. Jared Vardaman. Graveside service will follow at Springfield Baptist Church Cemetery.

A member of Springfield Baptist Church since 1942, Oleta’s legacy of service spans decades. After marrying Herbert Cooper and moving “across the tracks,” she faithfully taught the Junior age class and youth girls in Sunday School and Training Union. She served in Vacation Bible School and WMU, and later became the Adult Department Secretary. Her life was a beautiful example of quiet leadership and steadfast faith.

Oleta was the kind of person who never met a stranger. She loved to talk, and even more, she loved people. During World War II, while Herbert served overseas, she worked at Laird’s Ready to Wear. In 1949, she became the ninth person hired at the new Talon zipper plant in Morton, and later worked at Chadwick’s Variety Store until retirement.

She found great joy in the garden—her yard was always full of flowers, and three freezers full of vegetables she and Herbert grew and gladly shared with neighbors. Their garden was more than a passion; it was a ministry of generosity and care.

Oleta was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, Herbert Cooper; her parents, Joe and Alma Thompson; her five brothers—Felix, Jim, Buddy, Shelby, and Rev. Julius Thompson—and two sisters, Catherine Shoemaker and Laura Sue Barnes.

She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Vardaman (Tal); her grandson, Jared Vardaman (Mary Kate); one sister, Peggy Huggins; and a loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Huggins, Austin Shoemaker, Leon Dye, Tommy Earls, Dusty Rhodes, and Jared Vardaman.

Oleta's life was defined by faithfulness—to her family, her church, and her Lord. She lived simply, loved deeply, and leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, cheerful service, and unshakable faith.

Arrangements are being handled by Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Morton.